Author Archives: athosweblog

2086 – Agiou Paulou monastery: the pavilion of Princess Mara

Posted on December 9, 2019

One of the more physical proofs that there has been a woman on Athos is the Pavilion of Princess Mara, born in 1416 and a daughter of a Serbian monarch Đurađ (George) Branković . She married Ottoman Sultan Murad II for … Continue reading →

Posted in 14 Paulou, history, people, Trip 2019, women | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

2085 – Women who ignored the avaton

Posted on December 8, 2019

 In early legal documents (in the years 970 and 1045) the exclusion of women is implied but it is never specifically stated. According to Graham Speake in his book Renewal in Paradise the principle of Avaton was so well established, … Continue reading →

Posted in history, women | Tagged , | 3 Comments

2084 – Prince Charles and the Holy Mountain

Posted on December 7, 2019

The last post of Bas inspired me to search on the internet for an Athos painting made by Derek Hill. That effort wasn’t successful, the only one I found was in my own archive. I added this painting to post … Continue reading →

Posted in art, people | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

2083 – Derek Hill and the Holy Mountain

Posted on December 6, 2019

At the harbour of Vatopedi you may find a restored fountain and a kiosk, that were built in memory of Derek Hill, “who showed a genuine love for the monasteries of the Holy Mountain”, as is engraved in the memorial … Continue reading →

Posted in 02 Vatopedi, arsanas, art, people | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

2082 – Athos pilgrimage 2019: the hike from Prodromou to Kavsokalivia

Posted on November 30, 2019

Planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain is a necessity. Not only you’ll have make reservations for a place to sleep in a monastery or skete, you will also have book your trip by boat for Ouranopoli to Dafni and … Continue reading →

Posted in Kavsokalivia, nature, Prodromou, Trip 2019, walking | 1 Comment

2081 – Fish in the pond at Vatopediou

Posted on November 10, 2019

When leaving Vatopediou through the impressive main gate you see the kiosk in front of you with a beautiful hilly backdrop. Right after the gate to the right you will find a new pool. The large pool nowadays looks like … Continue reading →

Posted in 02 Vatopedi, Trip 2019 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

2080 – Exploring Vatopediou

Posted on October 31, 2019

A monk approaches an abundant circular bed of fallen crimson flowers under the Camellia in the courtyard of Vatopediou. The monastery has got a rather large central square that is – unlike most squares – not levelled out but ascends … Continue reading →

Posted in 02 Vatopedi, Trip 2019 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment